Earlier this year Becci, Coordinator for the Hands at Work UK Office, spent time in Zambia and South Africa. Here, she shares an update on Chilabula – a community in the Luanshya area of Zambia, supported by UK Partners.
“In March I had the privilege of travelling to Zambia and spending time with the Service Centre and other Hands at Work volunteers. One sunny Tuesday I jumped into a local taxi with the amazing Service Centre team, Chilabula-bound. The Community Based Organisation (CBO) in this rural community cares for 125 vulnerable children.
Once off the tar road and onto the dirt track going towards the Life Centre, you can really see the positive impact of the recent rains. After such a long period of drought, plants and trees are now green and tall, harvests are looking healthy, and there are birds and butterflies everywhere – everything feels so alive. We really give thanks for this, as it has been a tough time for the community.
Turning onto the track where the Life Centre is situated, the first thing you see is the crumbled remains of the Roman Catholic church. A severe storm hit Chilabula on Christmas Day 2024 and caused huge damage. The church is just one of several buildings affected. The congregation had only just left when the building collapsed. Fortunately no one was hurt, and miraculously – despite the storm's severity – no one in the entire community was injured.
The Life Centre building was also badly damaged. While initial temporary repairs were made, full renovations were underway when I visited. The summer rains were making the work challenging – it was either scorching hot or pouring with rain – but great progress was being made, which was showing the whole community just how important these children are.
Whilst this work was happening, Care Workers continued to cook and serve meals from the old pig shed at the back of the property.
Since my return to the UK we have received the wonderful news that work on the Life Centre has now been completed. Meals are being cooked in the renovated structure and children can use the seating area to eat and find shelter from the elements. A new storage room keeps dry food safe. We give thanks that this work was able to happen so quickly, providing the children, Care Workers, Primary Caregivers and the wider community with a space that is safe, welcoming and full of life.
The Service Centre and Care Worker teams are phenomenal. They know every child by name, where they live and their individual circumstances. The love and care that emanates from the Life Centre is tangible, and you can see that the children feel truly at home — able to bring their full selves.
Of course, the community continues to face challenges. Many children are struggling with health issues such as malaria and anaemia, and home situations can be unstable. We can continue to keep these children and their families in our prayers, asking that the love of God brings healing, hope and light to all.”